NLPAA FAQ's

Below are a variety of FAQ's, simply click on the question to view the answer. If your question isn't here, simply email us and we'll reply to you and possibly post the answer to your question here. FAQ – About NLP (general):

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a powerful body of information about how the human mind works built up since the 1970`s and continuing to evolve through new research. You are likely to find many different descriptions of NLP. At the heart of NLP is a wide range of methods and models it offers for understanding how people think, behave and change. It offers a flexible approach which brings about positive, fast change in individuals and organisations and empowers them to adapt to an ever-shifting world. NLP training provides the skills to define and achieve your outcomes or goals and a heightened awareness of your five senses, allowing you to remain flexible, on track and maintain rapport with those around you.

What books would be good for someone new toNLP?

There are many books on the market that can help you take your first step into understanding the world of NLP. Here are a few books that are easy to read and will help you to get a good feel for what NLP is all about:

NLP: The New Technology of Achievement, by Steve Andreas, Charles Faulkner and the NLP Comprehensive Training Team

30 Days to NLP, by Laureli Blyth and Heidi Heron

How does NLPwork?

NLP is the study of excellence. It is the study of both the conscious and unconscious processes that combine to enable people to do what they do. The key to success is often unknown at a conscious level. Using NLP you can elicit these unknown pieces. You may want to improve your relationships, or eliminate an anxiety, or become more competitive in the market place. The key pieces are not found in the muscles, but in your inner thoughts, like words or pictures, or feelings or even beliefs. Once you know these unknown pieces you can change them. NLP exercises are like thought experiments, mental exercises or a game. The laboratory is your mind.

How can I benefit from usingNLP?

NLP has a wide range of practical applications in business (e.g. management, personnel, sales, consulting), training and development, education, dyslexia, the helping professions, health, relationships, writing and the arts, sports, parenting, hobbies and personal development – anywhere communicating and excelling are important. The more you are interested in communication, personal effectiveness and development – the more NLP has to offer.

How can an NLP Therapist or Coach help me?

NLP is an amazing personal development and therapeutic tool.

An NLP Coach will be able to help you to achieve your goals, overcome blocks and help you create a sustainable motivation for the future. Coaching tasks may include starting a business, losing weight, writing a book, creating a savings plan, etc.

An NLP Therapist will assist you in creating a well-formed goal for the future, create resources to help you get to your desired state and clear any blocks, limits and interferences which may stand in your way. Examples of some issues an NLP Therapist may be able to help you with include: increasing self confidence, self-esteem, self-belief and self-worth; overcoming depression, anxiety, self-contempt, negative emotions, fears/phobias and self-doubt ; changing beliefs, strategies, thought patterns, behaviour patterns, and much, much more.

How do I find an NLP Therapist or Coach? What should I lookfor?

Choosing your NLP Therapist or Coach is an important task. Our first recommendation is to speak directly to potential Therapists and Coaches to ensure you feel comfortable with them as a person and with their skills. Ask the NLPer about their NLP training, skills and experience. The NLPAA recommends working with NLP Master Practitioners, who have more skills than only a Practitioner. The NLPAA also has a listing of Registered Clinical Members who may be able to assist you.

What qualifications does an NLP Therapisthave?

Besides NLP Certification training, there is no standard qualification that an NLP Therapist has. Some are qualified counsellors or psychologists while some have a passion and interest in helping others. There is no requirement in Australia for a therapist to have any type of education or qualification. We suggest talking to your potential therapist to ensure they fit what you are looking for in a helper.

Can I get Mediare rebates for NLPTherapy?

The short answer is no. Therapy and counselling not conducted by a Registered Psychologist is not covered under Medicare. However, some NLP Therapists may be Registered Pscyhologists or Social Workers and with the correct referals may be eligible for Medicare rebates.

How do I find an NLPTrainer?

We recommend finding an NLP Trainer via the NLPAA Registered Trainer list. These trainers are qualified, have been training for a number of years and meet the stringent requirements set forth by the NLPAA. Also, it is recommended that you talk directly to your potential trainer in person or on the phone to ensure you connect with them, like them as a person and this will give you a chance to ask them questions about their personal NLP experience, views on NLP and training style.

No matter who you choose as a trainer, ensure the training meets the minimum training requirements set forth by the NLPAA. There are a number of training organisations who attempt to train NLP in 3-5 days (or less than 9 for Master Practitioner, 14 for Trainers Training) and the NLPAA does not recognise these courses.

What if I'm considering a trainer not on the NLPAA Registered Trainer list, can I still jointhe NLPAA?

As long as the trainer/training you choose meets the Minimum Training Requirements set forth by the NLPAA and the trainer was also trained by a trainer/training that meets these standard, you can join as an Associate Member or higher membership levels. If the training is not recognised you can still join as an Affiliate Member.

What do the different levels NLP qualificationmean?

There are 3 official levels of NLP training: NLP Practitioner Certification, NLP Master Practitioner Certification and NLP Trainer Certification. The NLPAA considers any training under 7 days to be a workshop not a certification training.

NLP Practitioner: There are a variety of different training formats available today and the most important principle to grasp is that one training course, however long or short, will not make you a skilful practitioner. Becoming proficient with NLP requires practice of the right skills over time. NLPAA are particularly interested in promoting the importance of Continuous Professional Development and their levels of membership reflect that focus. To make sure that you are practicing the right skills, it is important that the company with whom you choose to do your training thoroughly cover the basics that make up NLP.

NLP Master Practitioner: Generally builds on the Practitioner material in far more depth, especially modelling, language, and considerable new material. Students develop skills to change beliefs and values in themselves and others in a way that fits their lifestyle, family and work systems.

Some Master Practitioner courses include modelling projects. These projects should focus on modelling real expertise and not mediocrity. Modelling mediocrity will only produce mediocrity and teach you nothing about the real power of modelling excellence. Although these courses give you a basic understanding of the modelling process, you would be wise to take an advanced modelling course if you wish to specialise in this area.

What do I do if I have a complaint about an NLP Therapist orTrainer?

Contact the NLPAA at admin@abnlp.org.au or call us on 1300 137 046 and tell us your complaint. If the Therapist or Trainer is a member of the NLPAA we will address the issue with the member and begin a formal complaint process.

Why should I join theNLPAA?

Membership with the NLPAA is a must for any one interested in NLP. For individuals interested in NLP from a personal development standpoint, the NLPAA offers ongoing education, workshops and learning opportunities to keep your NLP skills sharp. For individuals who use NLP professionally the NLPAA offers website listings, ongoing education and learning opportunities as well as credibility and recognition to members of the public.

The NLPAA is an independant organisation and we have set various standards which are aligned on a clinical nature with the ACA and PACFA. Additionally, being a member of the NLPAA means that you have a voice about the future of NLP in Australia, can be involved in the community of NLPers and continue your journey in NLP.

What level of membership should I joinat?

If you are an NLP Master Practitioner you may be eligible to join as a Professional, Intern Clinical, Registered Clinical or Trainer Member. If you have only completed NLP Practitioner Certification you can join as an Associate Member if the training/trainer you completed your training with meets the Minimum Training Requirements set forth by the NLPAA. If you have not completed certified NLP training you can join as an Affiliate Member. See Become a Member for more information.

No, the NLPAA is an independent, non-profit Association registered in Australia. The American Board of NLP is an individually owned company based in the USA.

What if my trainer is not on the NLPAA Registered Trainerlist can I still join?

When you submit your membership application we will assess the training organisation you studied with to ensure their training/trainers meet the Minimum Training Requirements set forth by the NLPAA. There are a few training organisations that do not neet these requirements and you will be notified and offered Affiliate Membership. If you have a question about your trainer, simply contact us and we'll advise you accordingly.

Why do Clinical Members requiresupervision?

The NLPAA is aimed at creating and maintaining high standards within the field of psychotherapy in Australia. As such, we introduced Clinical Supervision for Clinical Members in 2005. Our standards for Clincal Members is aligned to the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia. The Australian Government is being asked to consider counselling as a Medicare service, if this does occur, it is the aim of the NLPAA to have standards high enough for our Clinical Members as to fit the requirements for this benefit.

Can I get insurance as an NLPAAmember?

Yes, as a member of the NLPAA you are eligible for business insurance for your NLP clinic or practice. Contact the NLPAA or view the Members Only section for application forms.

Can I get health rebates for myclients?

Generally speaking, no. Most insurance companies offer health rebates to only registered clincal psychologists. However, there are a few which will recognise NLP as a modality for rebates. You will need to contact individual insurance companies for more information and application forms.

How do I become a Registered ClinicalMember?

To join as a Clinical Member the requirements are:

Clinical Membership is available to anyone in Australia who has:

1.Completed NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner Certification courses which meet the minimum training requirements. 2.Has been working with clients as an NLP Coach or Therapist for a minimum of 200 client hours post Master Practitioner 3.Has completed a minimum of 5 hours of Supervision in the past 12 months4.Has completed a minimum of 8 hours of Professional Development in the past 12 months 5.Holds current professional indemnity and personal liability insurance

You will receive a renewal notice via email approximately six weeks before your membership is due for renewal.

How do I upgrade mymembership?

When you are ready to upgrade your membership, you can login to the website and upgrade your membership online. If there is a higher membership rate due, you will be charged a pro-rated amount to catch you up to your next renewal date.

If I haven't completed my OPD or Supervision for Clinical Membership can I still renew mymembership?

If you are an NLPAA Clinical Member you are required to complete 16 hours of Ongoing Professional Development and 10 hours of Clinical Supervision each year (1 July to 30 June). If you haven't completed your required hours you can ask for a 3 month extension from the board - email membership@abnlp.org.au - however the next years requirements will need to be completed in 9 months instead of 12. If after the 3 month extention you still have not completed the requirements you can renew your membership at the lower level of Certified Member and upgrade again the next renewal year.

Can I renewonline?

Affiliate and Certified Members can renew their membership online. Simply login to the website and you can access the renewal forms online. Clinical and Trainer Members must provide more information and renew their membership offline.